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RAILS Questions and Answers

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  • List of RAILS Member Libraries

    Where is the list of RAILS' member libraries?

    L2 (www.librarylearning.info) is the member directory for RAILS. Choose Libraries in the upper right hand corner and then choose the Reaching Across Illinois Library System to view a list of RAILS member libraries. The member directory is also accessible from the RAILS website via Members > Member Directory (L2).

    To see detailed information in L2, such as information about library staff, you will need to be logged in. If you don't have an L2 account, you can find information about creating one on the RAILS website at http://www.railslibraries.info/members/l2help.

    There is also a search tool on the RAILS website that allows you to search different fields within L2, such as library name, director's last name, city, and more. The member directory search page is located at: http://www.railslibraries.info/members/search.

  • Neighborhood Field in L2

    With the recent merger of library systems, do I need to enter my "neighborhood" information into the Library Learning (L2) site?

    A: Thank you for your interest in keeping your library's L2 information correct and up-to-date. Prior to the July 2011 merger of library systems, the "neighborhood" field in L2 was only used by a few legacy library systems. Since RAILS has not yet established neighborhoods, we are requesting that you leave that section empty for now.

    RAILS reminds you to ensure that your library's profile information is correct on the Library Learning website.

  • How RAILS Serves Academic and Special Libraries

    What (if any) services are being planned which will benefit the academic and special library communities?

    Library systems provide a number of services that academic, public, school, and special libraries enjoy. All RAILS members also have access to additional services provided by the Illinois State Library and to content available through online platforms.

    • All members of the library community are encouraged to serve when openings arise for election to the RAILS Board and the Member Advisory Group.
    • RAILS serves as delivery hub that interfaces with CARLI, in the state's extensive interlibrary loan (ILL) network. Together, we ensure that millions of items circulate to millions of library users each year.
    • Academic and special libraries are encouraged to explore membership in one of the four Local Library System Automation Programs (LLSAPs) operated by RAILS.
    • In the future, RAILS hopes to introduce a collaborative section on the RAILS website for members to share information with peers. RAILS is exploring these avenues based on feedback from the recent communications survey.
    • Library system members are welcome to take advantage of full content and resources from WebJunction Illinois. This includes a wide variety of online courses.
    • System members are also permitted to use a number of databases offered by the Illinois State Library. They may also try databases on a trial basis through a program called, "Try-It!"
    • Member libraries are able to host their meetings at a RAILS location. More information is available at: http://www.railslibraries.info/special/room-request.php.
      RAILS also lists members’ continuing education events or networking group meetings (including local or special interest groups) on the Library Learning calendar (L2). More information is available at: http://www.railslibraries.info/special/l2-request.php.
    • The RAILS website is a tool to learn more about RAILS services. Watch for continued new developments.
  • ILL and RBS Survey

    Where is the link to the ILLINET Interlibrary Loan and Reciprocal Borrowing Statistical Survey for FY 2011?  

    The Illinois State Library informs us that the survey is located at http://collect.btol.com. Login and password information will be supplied by Gwendolyn Harrison at gharrisonatilsos [dot] net or 217.785.7334.

  • Per Capita Grant Applications

    Where do I direct questions about my Per Capita Grant application?

    Please direct your questions to the Illinois State Library. Questions about public library Per Capita Grants can be directed to Mary Downing at 217.782.5506 or mdowningatilsos [dot] net or to Jeanne Urbanek at 217.524.0050 or jurbanekatilsos [dot] net. Questions about school library Per Capita Grants can be directed to Robert Jones at 217.785.1168 or rjones1atilsos [dot] net. Copies do not need to be submitted to RAILS.

  • Holiday Schedule

    Where is the RAILS holiday schedule posted?

    The RAILS holiday schedule is available from the "About" tab on the RAILS website at: http://www.railslibraries.info/about/holidays. There will be no delivery service provided on RAILS holidays.

  • Academic Library Reports

    Can you tell me what library system and/or State Library reports we should be submitting as an academic library?

    At this time academic libraries do not need to submit any reports to RAILS.

    The Illinois State Library does not collect statistical data from academic libraries except for the Interlibrary Loan Traffic Report which monitors statewide ILL traffic from the state's 5,000 libraries. Academic members who need to gain access to the ILL report or have questions, should contact Gwen Harrison at the Illinois State Library at 217.785.7334, or by email at gharrisonatilsos [dot] net.

  • Fast Facts

    The former North Suburban Library System had a wonderful website service called "Fast Facts," which allowed a library to post survey questions related to staffing, technology, etc. Other libraries would respond to the survey questions and access to the responses would be archived at the NSLS site for all libraries to view. Could this be added as a RAILS website service in the future?

    The Fast Facts archive is still available on the legacy NSLS website: http://www.nsls.info/services/fastfacts. Some of the information may be out of date.  
     
    While RAILS is not planning to add a Fast Facts section to its website in the near future, the Illinois Library Association (ILA) has contacted RAILS about the Fast Facts service and is considering providing a similar service. RAILS will provide more details when they are available.

  • Delivery Codes

    How do I search by library agency code to find the name of a library?

    The Library Learning (L2) website includes library agency codes for delivery in each library’s record. If you know a delivery code and would like to find the corresponding library name, you can search for this information on the Member Directory Search page of the RAILS website. You can find agency codes for academic and research libraries from the ILDS website at: http://illinoisdelivers.net/memlist.html.

  • Trustee Training

    Has the wonderful trustee training that my former library system used to sponsor being carried over to RAILS?

    Unfortunately, RAILS is unable to offer any training at this time. With the consolidation of library systems and continued cutbacks due to delayed grant payments, the Illinois State Library has instructed RAILS to focus on these priorities: delivery, support for LLSAPs (electronic catalogs), and the operation of Talking Book Centers. We are hopeful that the budget situation in Illinois might improve at some point in the future and that RAILS may be able to offer training programs once again.